(This is my second post on online options for book covers. Here’s Part 1.)
When the interior of my 2nd edition of Mercurial Tales was ready, I ordered the back cover and spine from the SelfPubBookCovers.com website, which has a user-friendly order page with separate spaces for back-cover data: headline, sub-headline, blurb, author photo. There’s no official place for a logo and imprint, but I was able to email a jpg of my logo, for spine and back. Although the majority of SPBC clients may publish through CreateSpace, they also work with IngramSpark (Lightning Source) templates. The final-file email states that SelfPubBookCovers guarantee their covers 100 percent — if there is any problem with uploading to IngramSpark, they will handle it at no additional charge.
So, I forwarded my L/S-generated cover template to SelfPub. Within a few days, they emailed a completed “draft” version. The back-cover art was a neat variation on the front. There were only a few small tweaks to the copy. The second “draft” needed only three tiny adjustments. Third version: perfect.
I proceeded with uploading to IngramSpark. Ingram has an automated checking system that flags anything that might compromise the printed book’s appearance. My interior passed, but my purchased cover did not because some “element” of the art was not dense enough. I forwarded Rob, the SPBC tech liaison, the necessary information, and he got back to me within the hour, after re-examining the art. He found and corrected the problem, and sent the file back to me, problem-free, in two business days. So, from first site visit to IngramSpark printing was 35 days, with one minor hiccup!
For me, finding SelfPubBookCovers was serendipity. The advantages: knowing exactly what the costs are going to be, and that “fixes” (before final approval) will not result in surprise additional fees; more control of my “final product”; tech support that is fast and responsive. If you have been looking into cover options, take some time to thoroughly explore this site. Well worth consideration by any indie author or small publisher.
Author
One Comment
Comments are closed.
One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
We welcome all who have an interest in making connections within the world of independent publishing and learning more about how to publish and sell their work successfully. Together we are raising the standard of independent publishing and helping our members thrive.
Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. For workshop registration, currently, members get in free for all workshops and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.
Epilogue … Yesterday UPS dropped off a case of the new edition with the new cover (P.O.D. by IngramSpark) – they look brilliant! I’ll have some on display (and for sale) at the August meeting, so anyone who’s curious about how the final product came out, please be sure to stop by, pick up, have a look at the back cover too! (No obligation to buy.) I’m happy to answer questions about my whole experience to date with SelfPubBookCovers. (By the way, I found out they are IBPA members!)